"The clinic that provides almost all midwife care for pregnant women in the Salem area has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Salem Hospital. Salem Women's Clinic alleges that the hospital is using its monopoly in local health care to try to shut the clinic, according to a lawsuit filed this month with the U.S. District Court in Eugene. The clinic could close by late June, potentially leaving hundreds of women stranded..."
This is part of an article published on the front page of the Statesman Journal regarding the Salem Women's Clinic and specifically, the end of midwife assisted births at Salem Hospital. I am a patient at the clinic and am quite happy with the care I received both during my difficult pregnancy with Emmaleigh, and now my current pregnancy. I had a midwife assisted birth and would have probably been given a C-Section if a Dr. were present. Emma's head was turned and I labored for 3 hours pushing until all my strength was gone. Although I was screaming, "Cut this baby out of me!", I am so glad that I didn't have a C-Section. The midwife encouraged me to continue, trying different positions for delivery. I like everything about midwives from their patient care to rather homeopathic birthing methods. I am one of the many women upset at Salem Hospital for shutting out midwives, but unless the lawsuit wins, I won't have a choice but to go elsewhere.
I have an appointment this month at SWC and will determine at that time what my next step will be. I don't want to deliver at Salem with a Dr., so that leaves Mac, Silverton, Stayton, Eugene and Corvallis (all hospitals in the area who allow midwives). I've heard opinions from quite a few ladies, even one who said she would rather deliver her baby on the side of the road than deliver at Salem Hospital. Many acclaim Silverton Hospital as "the best," but I don't want to journey the 1 1/2 hours for appointments and of course, the final hospital visit. I've also heard excellent things about Eugene's midwife clinic, but again, the distance. I will probably end up at Corvallis in a small, shared room without a jacuzzi tub. My desired result is a happy, healthy baby delivered naturally and I can live without the jacuzzi and pretty wall stencils.
As usual, I enjoy hearing your comments and suggestions. I still have 13 1/2 weeks, so no need to panic... yet.
This is a blog about gratitude... for life on the farm, homeschooled munchkins, inter-cultural adventures, and God’s grace in every breath, completely undeserved. ~ By Alysun Peters
5 comments:
The gal who delivered me through SWC is now delivering in Corvallis. I loved her. She reminds me a lot of Andrea. I can't find her real quick on the internet, but her first Name is Katie. I did find her once and if I recall she practiced with another Katie. I don't have any problems with SWC, but I have heard bad things about Dr. Harmon and I know that many of the Midwives (except Maebel) have left over the last couple years, which makes me believe things are not going well. I would switch while you can. I don't know much about Corvallis H. but it would rather be settled.
Oh I found it.
Samaritan Obstetrics and Gynecology
3640 NW Samaritan Drive
Suite 270
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 768-5300
Katie Robins, CNM
Thanks Meghan! I remember Katie from SWC. I will check out the information you gave me to see if my insurance covers her.
Alysun,
Stacy Wiedenmann here...I lurk on your site every now and then. I've delivered my last two at Corvallis and it is a great hospital. The labor and delievery rooms are big with a nice tub, no jacuuzzi. You do have to move to a post partum room after delivery but it is a private room. The PP used be shared rooms but they changed that policy quite a few years ago. They offer hospital tours, check online, and you could see the floor before you make your decision.
Come to Sequoia Hospital! You can live/sleep/relax on my couch for as long as you want! Jeff won't mind farming with Emma at his side. The rooms are all private and you labour/deliver in the same room. It is about 4 minutes from our house;-)
Post a Comment